How to Care for Your Handmade Pottery

Congratulations on your beautiful handmade pottery! Unlike mass-produced ceramics, handcrafted pieces have unique characteristics that deserve special attention. Here's everything you need to know to keep your pottery looking beautiful for generations.

Understanding Your Pottery

Glazed vs. Unglazed

Glazed pottery has a glass-like coating that makes it:

• More water-resistant
• Easier to clean
• Food-safe (when properly fired)

Unglazed pottery (like terracotta) is:

• More porous
• Requires more careful maintenance
• Often used for decorative pieces

Tip: Check with the artist about whether your piece is food-safe. Not all glazes are suitable for food contact.

Daily Care

Cleaning

For everyday cleaning:

1. Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap
2. Use a soft sponge or cloth (never abrasive scrubbers)
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Dry completely before storing

Dishwasher Safety

Most handmade pottery is not dishwasher safe. Here's why:

• Thermal shock from rapid temperature changes can cause cracking
• Harsh detergents may damage glazes over time
• The jostling can chip edges

When in doubt, hand wash!

Microwave Use

• Check if your piece is microwave-safe (some glazes contain metals)
• Avoid extreme temperature changes
• Don't microwave empty vessels

Storage Tips

Stacking Pottery

If you must stack pieces:

• Place soft cloth or felt between items
• Never stack more than 3-4 pieces high
• Store cups and mugs with handles facing the same direction
• Consider vertical plate racks for plates and platters

Long-Term Storage

For pieces you're storing away:

1. Wrap individually in acid-free tissue paper
2. Use bubble wrap for extra protection
3. Store in a climate-controlled environment
4. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations

Troubleshooting

Minor Chips

Small chips happen! Here's what to do:

• For decorative pieces: Sand gently with fine-grit sandpaper
• For food-use pieces: The chip creates a spot where bacteria can hide - consider retiring to decorative use
• Contact the artist - many offer repair services

Cracks

• Hairline cracks may indicate thermal stress
• Do not use cracked pottery for food or liquids
• Display pieces can often still be enjoyed

Stains

For stubborn stains:

1. Soak in warm water with baking soda
2. Create a paste of baking soda and water, apply gently
3. For coffee/tea stains, try a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution
4. Avoid bleach, which can damage glazes

Seasonal Considerations

Winter

• Bring outdoor pottery inside before freezing temperatures
• Water trapped in porous clay can freeze and crack the piece
• Allow cold pieces to warm gradually before washing in hot water

Summer

• Avoid leaving pottery in direct sunlight for extended periods
• Some glazes can fade with UV exposure
• Use coasters under pottery on outdoor surfaces

Preserving the Artist's Work

Your handmade pottery is a work of art. To preserve its story:

• Keep any artist cards or certificates
• Note the artist's name and date of purchase
• Take photos to document the piece
• Share the artist's story when you display the piece

Questions?

Our artisans are always happy to answer questions about caring for their work. Stop by the shop or email us at contact@alleykatartisans.com.

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Looking for new pottery? Browse our collection of hand-thrown ceramics from local Tri-Cities artists at Alley Kat Artisans.